7 Soothing Solutions For Post-Massage Aches

After a massage, it is normal to experience some aches and pains. While these feelings can be uncomfortable, there are solutions to help provide relief and restore your body back to feeling great again.

Although a little discomfort is inevitable after a massage therapy session, it’s nothing compared to the relaxation and health benefits it offers. So, if you need to get those muscle tensions and stiffness out of your body, try Press Modern Massage and book a service today.

In this article, we will discuss what post-massage aches are, what causes them, and the different types of solutions that can help alleviate the pain. So, let's take a closer look at the seven soothing solutions for post-massage aches.

What Are Post-Massage Aches?

Post-massage aches are the feelings of discomfort or soreness that can be experienced after receiving a massage. This can be experienced anywhere from immediately after the session to several days later. 

This is a common occurrence and can range from mild to severe. It can be caused by a number of factors, including the type of massage, the intensity of the massage, and the individual’s physical condition. These uncomfortable feelings are not necessarily a bad thing, as they can be a sign of healing and improved circulation.

What Causes Post-Massage Aches? 

Various factors can affect the outcomes of a massage therapy and the aches you experience after it may be due to these:

Overexertion: The most common cause of post-massage aches is overexertion, which occurs when a massage therapist applies too much pressure to a particular area of the body. This can cause soreness and aching in the area that was massaged.

Dehydration: Dehydration can cause the muscles to become stiff and sore, while muscle tightness can cause the muscles to become overworked and sore.

Poor Posture: It can also contribute to post-massage aches, as it can put extra strain on the muscles.

Massage Therapist’s Experience: Therapists have different levels of expertise and the techniques they use may or may not work efficiently on the client which can lead to post-massage aches1. Make sure to always see a Licensed Massage Therapist to avoid injuries.

Solutions For Post-Massage Aches

When it comes to post-massage aches, there are many ways to soothe your body. Here are seven solutions for this temporary soreness:

1. Drink Lots Of Fluids
   When the body is dehydrated, it can cause the muscles to become tight and sore, making post-massage aches worse. Drinking lots of fluids is one of the most effective solutions that helps to replenish the body's fluids and reduce muscle tension. Drink plenty of water before and after a massage, as well as throughout the day. 
   
   
2. Do Some Light Stretching
   After a massage, doing some light exercise can alleviate post-massage aches and pains. Stretching helps to relax tight muscles, improve circulation, and reduce inflammation. It can also help to reduce stress and tension in the body.
   
   When stretching after a massage, be sure to use slow and gentle movements. Avoid any sudden or jerky motions. Focus on the area that was massaged and take deep breaths to relax.
   
   
3. Take A Warm Bath With Epsom Salts
   An excellent way to provide relief from post-massage aches is taking a warm bath with Epsom salts. This particular salt contains magnesium sulfate, which helps relax muscles and reduce inflammation. 
   
   Adding a few cups of Epsom salt to a warm bath can help soothe post-massage aches, reduce swelling, and increase circulation. Additionally, Epsom salt can help reduce stress and anxiety, as well as improve your mood and promote better sleep. 
   
   
4. Apply Aromatherapy
   Aromatherapy is a natural, holistic approach to providing relief from post-massage aches. This process uses essential oils, which are concentrated extracts from plants and herbs. When applied to the skin, these oils can provide therapeutic benefits, including pain relief, relaxation, and improved circulation. 
   
   Essential oils can be used in different ways, such as in a bath, massage oil, or diffuser. Some of the most popular essential oils for post-massage aches include lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint, and rosemary. 
   
   
5. Use Herbal Supplements
   A great way to help relieve pain and discomfort is using herbal supplements. These are natural, plant-based remedies that have been used for centuries to treat various ailments. Some of the most popular herbal supplements for post-massage aches include turmeric, ginger, and Boswellia.
   
   Turmeric and Boswellia are powerful anti-inflammatories that can help reduce muscle pain and inflammation, while ginger has been shown to reduce muscle soreness and stiffness. Taking these herbal supplements before and after a massage can help reduce post-massage aches and pains. 
   
   
6. Try Ice Treatment
   Ice treatment helps reduce swelling and inflammation, as well as reduce pain and stiffness (2).
   
   To use this method, wrap a few ice cubes in a towel and apply it to the affected area for 10-15 minutes. Make sure to move the ice around so that it does not remain in one spot for too long. You can also use a cold pack if you have one available. Ice treatment is most effective when used within the first 24 hours after a massage.
   
   
7. Get Adequate Sleep
   One of the best solutions for post-massage aches is getting adequate sleep. After a massage, your body is in a relaxed state, so it is important to give it the necessary rest and recovery time. It will help your body to recuperate and reduce any residual soreness.
   
   Additionally, getting adequate sleep will help to improve your overall health and well-being. To get the best possible sleep, make sure to set a regular bedtime, avoid caffeine and alcohol, and create a comfortable sleep environment.

If you think these seven soothing solutions are not enough to overcome your post-massage aches, check out these Helpful Tips for Relieving Post-Massage Soreness.

Types Of Massage To Consider 

There are many massage techniques that can be used to provide relief. Each type of massage has its own set of benefits, so it’s important to find the right one for your specific needs. Go over these and see which one suits you best: 

Swedish Massage: This is a gentle massage technique that focuses on relaxation. It involves long, flowing strokes that are designed to relax the body and reduce tension.

Deep Tissue Massage: This massage focuses on specific areas of tension in the body. It uses deep pressure to target the deeper layers of muscle tissue and help increase flexibility and improve circulation. Know more about the Benefits of Deep Tissue Massage and all the wonders it can do for you.

Trigger Point Massage: This type of massage is designed to target specific areas of tension in the body. It uses pressure to release tight muscles and reduce pain3.

Sports Massage: This massage is specifically designed to help athletes recover from injuries and reduce fatigue. It focuses on improving flexibility and range of motion.

Shiatsu Massage: This type of massage is based on traditional Chinese medicine and focuses on using pressure points to promote healing. It is designed to reduce stress and improve overall wellbeing.

Hot Stone Massage: This massage involves the use of heated stones to provide a deep, relaxing massage. The heat provides muscle relaxation and reduces tension.

Reflexology Massage: This type of massage focuses on the feet and hands. It uses pressure points to target specific areas of the body and promote healing.

Final Thoughts

Post-massage aches and pains are a common occurrence, but they are manageable  with the right remedies. From drinking lots of fluids and doing light stretching to taking a warm bath with Epsom salts and applying aromatherapy, there are many ways to ease post-massage discomforts. 

Getting adequate sleep is also one of the easiest and most effective ways to restore the body back to feeling great. Funny as it may seem, post-massage aches can also be relieved through a different kind of massage that is soft and light on the body. 

Post-massage aches can be a really difficult experience but there are many available soothing solutions for this. So don’t be afraid to get a massage and experience a whole new level of relaxation. Book your appointment with PRESS today.

Sources:

1.  Bodner, V. (2022, June 29). Why does my body feel worse after a massage? A message from a massage therapist. Cleveland Clinic. 
2. Cronkleton, E. (2021, November 12). Sore after massage: Why this happens and what to do. Healthline.
3. Falsiroli Maistrello, L., Geri, T., Gianola, S., Zaninetti, M., & Testa, M. (2018, April 3). Effectiveness of trigger point manual treatment on the frequency, intensity, and duration of attacks in primary headaches: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Frontiers. 

FAQs

Is it normal to ache after a massage? 

Yes, it is normal to experience some soreness after a massage. Massage therapy can cause some of your muscles to become overworked, resulting in some aches and pains. However, these should subside within a day or two, and you should feel much better afterward. 

How long should I be sore after a massage? 

Generally, the soreness should not last more than a day or two. If the soreness persists for longer than that, it may be a sign that the massage was too intense, and you may need to adjust the pressure or technique used. 

Can you feel unwell after a massage? 

It is possible to feel unwell after a massage. This could be due to a number of factors, such as dehydration, overworked muscles, or an underlying medical condition. If you feel unwell after a massage, seek medical advice. 

Why do I feel extreme fatigue after a massage?

Extreme fatigue after a massage is common, especially after a deep tissue massage. This is because massage therapy can reduce muscle tension and stimulate relaxation, which can lead to a feeling of exhaustion. It is important to drink lots of fluids and rest after a massage to help your body recover. 

Does deep tissue massage release knots? 

Yes, deep tissue massage can help to release knots in the muscles. Deep tissue massage works by applying pressure to the deeper layers of muscle tissue, which can help to break down knots and tension.